ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: blacktrack99 on September 17, 2012, 02:05:40 PM

Title: Rear bumper!
Post by: blacktrack99 on September 17, 2012, 02:05:40 PM

For lack of options on the market, the BlackTrack will be getting some custom bumpers fabbed starting with the rear.  My 31" spare has been on the folded down back seat way to long.

Title: Re: Rear bumper!
Post by: tcfootball on September 18, 2012, 12:40:24 AM

Pics!

Title: Re: Rear bumper!
Post by: blacktrack99 on September 19, 2012, 02:02:06 PM

In the shop now.  Pics to come.  I'm friends w/ the guys so I'll try to remember to duck in and get some "in progress" shots.  *Should* be done by Oct. 6th in time for the annual Desert Run in Johnson Valley.  Even if it's not completely done it will be most of the way there and functional.

Title: Re: Rear bumper!
Post by: blacktrack99 on September 19, 2012, 02:08:30 PM

If anyone needs a refresher since I've been pretty inactive for a couple of years, the BlackTrack presently:

Title: Re: Rear bumper!
Post by: tcfootball on September 20, 2012, 01:24:24 AM

Looking forward to seeing the new bumps. Progress shots would be awesome!

Title: Re: Rear bumper!
Post by: blacktrack99 on September 24, 2012, 04:41:39 PM

Progress- Plastic cover, original bumper, Class II receiver gone.    Some cutting below tail lights.  "Main piece" of bumper in place, ready to be anchored.  Edge trim/protection, swing-out tire carrier, recovery points, 2" receiver will all be added to this piece of box tubing that's been cut for the Tracker.

Title: Re: Rear bumper!
Post by: tcfootball on September 25, 2012, 05:59:13 PM

Looks good. You could make that box tubing into an air bubble for off road fixes and tire pressure changes.

Title: Re: Rear bumper!
Post by: nprecon on September 25, 2012, 09:11:59 PM

Square tanks don't work well for storing pressurized gases.  That's why air compressor tanks,  LP tanks, scuba tanks, (etc)  are round instead of square.  

Title: Re: Rear bumper!
Post by: fordem on September 26, 2012, 10:27:06 AM

It's not so much that rectangular tanks don't work well, but that they require additional internal bracing - cylindrical (or spherical) tanks made from the same thickness material are inherently stronger and can withstand higher pressures.

Sometimes you need to make a design "trade-off" - cylindrical tanks can often make for "non-optimal" use of available space, and a rectangular tank made of heavier gauge metal, with interal cross bracing, may be the best solution.

Title: Re: Rear bumper!
Post by: blacktrack99 on October 01, 2012, 05:35:58 PM

Almost done.  I forgot to snap pics today.  Sorry.  If you're in Johnson Valley this weekend for the annual Search and Rescue Run (shameless plug for my fave local event), you can check it out there.   8)  ..Otherwise, I'll have pics up within a couple of days.